Researchers from Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) and Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit say that walking and cycling outweigh the negative effects on the health of air pollution even in cities like New Delhi where air pollution is very high. The new evidence strengthens the support for cycling even in polluted areas.

Dr. Marko Tainio from the MRC Epidemiology Unit who led the study says, “Our model indicates that in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution. Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world – with pollution levels ten times those in London – people would need to cycle for five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits.”

“We should remember, though, that a small minority of workers in the most polluted cities, such as bike messengers, may be exposed to levels of air pollution high enough to cancel out the health benefits of physical activity.”

People`s health is at risk due to the environmental changes and mainly the air pollution. According to the recent study in the UK the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Paediatrics and Child Health suggested, it contributes about 40,000 early deaths in a year.

Senior author Dr. James Woodcock, also from CEDAR, says: “Whilst this research demonstrates the benefits of physical activity in spite of air quality, it is not an argument for inaction in combatting pollution. It provides further support for investment in infrastructure to get people out of their cars and onto their feet or their bikes – which can itself reduce pollution levels at the same time as supporting physical activity.”

“Our model indicates that in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution. Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world – with pollution levels ten times those in London – people would need to cycle over five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits,” said Tainio.